2008 Alfa Romeo MiTo light

JUMP STARTING(versions with Start&Stop system)
125)
When jump starting, never connect the
negative lead (–) of the auxiliary battery
to the negative pole 1 fig. 111 of the car
battery, but rather to an engine/gearbox
earth point.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
34)Never connect the negative terminals of
the two batteries directly! If the auxiliary
battery is installed on another car, prevent
accidental contact between metallic parts of
the two cars.35)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
124)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lighted cigarettes
away from the battery and do not cause
sparks.
125)Before opening the bonnet, make sure
that the engine is off and that the ignition
key is in the STOP position. Please follow the
instructions on the decal near the front
crossmember. We recommend that you
remove the key from the ignition if other
people remain in the vehicle. The vehicle
should always be left after the key has been
removed or turned to the STOP position.
During refuelling, make sure that the engine
is off (and that the ignition key is in the STOP
position).
FUEL CUT-OFFSYSTEM
Operation
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the fuel supply cut-off with the engine
consequently switching off;
the automatic unlocking of the doors;
the switching on of the interior lights.
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks,
for instance in the engine compartment,
under the vehicle or near the tank area.
126)
After a collision, turn the ignition key to
STOP to prevent the battery from
running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
car, proceed as follows:
turn the ignition key to the MAR
position;
activate the right direction indicator;
deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
activate the right direction indicator;
deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
111A0J0392C
123

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN
PETROL VERSIONS
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the
first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles9 182736455463728190
Thousands of kilometres15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary. Check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge
condition/expiry date
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, where
present, engine oil degradation
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
129

DIESEL VERSIONS
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/6 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the
first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary. Check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge condition/expiry
date
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, boot, passenger compartment,
glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels(1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, where present,
engine oil degradation
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
133

Thousands of miles12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior
bodywork, underbody protection, pipes and
hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber
elements (gaiters, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade
position/wear
Check operation of the windscreen
wiper/washer system and adjust jets, if
necessary
Check cleanliness of bonnet and luggage
compartment locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if
necessary
Visually inspect condition and wear of front
and rear disc brake pads
Visual inspect condition and check tension of
accessory drive belt(s) (for versions without
automatic tensioner only)
Change engine oil and replace oil filter(2)
(2) The actual interval for changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signalled by the
warning light or message in the instrument panel. In any case, it must never exceed 2 years. If the vehicle is mainly used in towns and cities, change
the engine oil and filter every year.
134
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:
engine coolant, brake fluid and
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of screen wash/wipe system
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rearscreen wiper blades
Every 3,000 km check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick.
Carry out the check with the vehicle
parked on level ground.
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If the vehicle is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried out
more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes
- etc.);
check battery charge and battery fluid
level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change engine
oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace pollen
filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
136
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

BATTERY
The battery 6 (see previous pages) does
not require the electrolyte to be topped
up with distilled water. A periodic check
carried out at an Alfa Romeo Dealership
is, however, necessary to check
efficiency.
INSPECTING THE CHARGE AND THE
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
139) 140) 141) 142)
43)
4)
If necessary, replace the battery with
another original battery with the same
specifications. Follow the battery
manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make
it last longer, observe the following
instructions:
when you park the car, ensure that the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly, to prevent any lights from
remaining on inside the passenger's
compartment;
switch off all roof lights inside the car:
the car is however equipped with a
system which switches all internal lights
off automatically;
do not keep accessories (e.g. radio,
hazard warning lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery is
damaged by sulphation, reducing its
capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
-10°C). Refer to the "Vehicle inactivity"
paragraph in "Starting and driving"
chapter if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time.
If, after purchasing the car, you wish to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electrical supply (e.g.
alarm, etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply
requirements, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership, whose qualified staff will
evaluate the overall electrical
consumption.
WARNING
139)Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin and
eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
140)Using the battery with insufficient
fluid irreparably damages the battery and
may cause an explosion.
141)If the vehicle must remain unused for a
long time at a very low temperature, remove
the battery and take it to a warm place, to
avoid freezing.
142)When performing any operation on the
battery or near it, always protect your eyes
with special goggles.
IMPORTANT
43)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe damage
to your car. After purchasing your vehicle, if
you wish to install any accessories (e.g.
anti-theft, radio phone, etc.), go to an Alfa
Romeo Dealership, which will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise you
whether a higher capacity battery needs to
be installed.
146
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water;
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge;
rinse well with water and dry with a jet
of air or a chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, bonnet, headlight frames, etc.)
with special care, as water may stagnate
more easily in these areas. Do not wash
the car after it has been left in the sun or
with the bonnet hot: this may alter the
shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Avoid parking under trees; the resin
dropped by trees makes the paintwork
go opaque and increases the possibility
of corrosion.
Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid
they contain is particularly aggressive.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths
to prevent scratching or altering the
transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window inside
gently with a cloth following the direction
of the filaments to avoid damaging the
heating device.
Front headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic
substances (e.g. petrol) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the headlights.
IMPORTANT When cleaning with a
pressure washer, keep the water jet at
least 20 cm away from the headlights.
Engine compartment
At the end of every winter, wash the
engine compartment thoroughly, taking
care not to aim the jet of water directly at
the electronic control units or at the
windscreen wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialised
workshop.
IMPORTANT The washing should take
place with the engine cold and the
ignition key in the STOP position. After
the washing operation, make sure that
the various protections (e.g. rubber caps
and guards) have not been removed or
damaged.
IMPORTANT
5)Detergents pollute the environment. Only
wash your vehicle in areas equipped to
collect and treat wastewater from this type
of activity.
IMPORTANT
44)In order to preserve the aesthetic
appearance of the paint abrasive products
and/or polishes should not be used for
cleaning the vehicle.
45)Avoid washing with rollers and/or
brushes in washing stations. Wash the
vehicle only by hand using neutral pH
detergents; dry it with a wet chamois leather.
Abrasive products and/or polishes should
not be used for cleaning the car. Bird
droppings must be washed off immediately
and thoroughly as the acid they contain is
particularly aggressive. Avoid (if at all
possible) parking the vehicle under trees;
remove vegetable resins immediately as,
when dried, it may only be possible to remove
them with abrasive products and/or polishes,
which is highly inadvisable as they could alter
the typical opaqueness of the paint. Do not
use pure windscreen washer fluid for
cleaning the front windscreen and rear
window; dilute it min. 50% with water. Only
use pure screen washer fluid when strictly
necessary due to outside temperature
conditions.
148
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

INTERIOR
143) 144) 145)
Periodically check the cleanliness of the
interior, beneath the mats, which could
cause oxidation of the sheet metal.
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a
vacuum cleaner. It is advisable to use a
moist brush on velvet upholstery. Rub the
seats with a sponge moistened with a
solution of water and neutral detergent.
CLEANING ALCANTARA SEATS
Alcantara trim can be treated and
cleaned easily in the same way as the
other trims. The same indications given
for cleaning fabrics are also therefore
applicable for this trim.
LEATHER SEATS
(where provided)
Remove the dry dirt with a chamois or
slightly damp cloth, without exerting too
much pressure. Remove any liquid or
grease stains using an absorbent dry
cloth, without rubbing. Then clean with a
soft cloth or buckskin cloth dampened
with water and mild soap. If the stain
persists, use specific products and
observe the instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make
sure that the cleaning products usedcontain no alcohol or alcohol derivatives,
even in small quantities.
PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
46)
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp
cloth (if possible made from microfibre),
and a solution of water and neutral,
non-abrasive detergent. To clean oily or
persistent stains, use specific products
free from solvents and designed to
maintain the original appearance and
colour of the components.
Remove any dust using a microfibre
cloth, if necessary moistened with water.
The use of paper tissues is not
recommended as these may leave
residues.
GENUINE LEATHER PARTS
(where provided)
Use only water and mild soap to clean
these parts. Never use alcohol or
alcohol-based products. Before using a
specific product for cleaning interiors,
make sure that it does not contain
alcohol and/or alcohol based substances.
WARNING
143)Never use flammable products, such as
petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean the
inside of the car. The electrostatic charges
which are generated by rubbing during the
cleaning operation may cause a fire.
144)Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must not
be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C. When the vehicle is exposed to
sunlight, the internal temperature can
greatly exceed this value.
145)There must be no obstacles on the
floor underneath the pedals; make sure that
mats are always flat and do not interfere
with the pedals.
IMPORTANT
46)Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the dashboard and
instrument panel lens.
149